Category: Daily Bread

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The Love Of Darkness

11 He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. ~ John 1:11

19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. ~ John 3:19

For 400 years, the Jews experienced a silence from God. There was no prophet. There was no word from the LORD. There was only silence. Then suddenly, John appeared on the scene, and then Jesus, God in the flesh, walked the path John cleared for Him. How did the Jews react? John the Apostle wrote that Jesus came to His own, but His own rejected Him. Jesus adds that they rejected Him because they loved the darkness more than the light in John 3:19. 400 years of silence had caused their hearts to grow cold, their ears to grow deaf, and their eyes to grow blind. The Messiah they had waited for from the time of Abraham was there in their midst, but they couldn’t recognize Him.

The Church is the same way today. We’ve been waiting for the return of Christ for the past 2,000 years. We’ve been waiting for Him to come to redeem us from the wickedness of this world so that we might be with Him forever and ever. As time passes by and with each and every new generation, the heart of the Church grows colder and colder. The eyes of the Church grow blinder and blinder. The ears of the Church grow deafer and dealer. We can no longer differentiate between good and evil. We even go as far as to desire to change the very Word of God in order to fit our own beliefs, wants, and desires.

Jesus is coming back real soon. Even if He doesn’t return in our lifetime, though I believe He will, we are each just one single breath away from eternity. Each breath we take is a gift from God, prolonging our lives. It’s His mercy and grace that keeps our hearts beating. Tomorrow is promised to no one. We can’t afford to allow our hearts to grow cold, our eyes to grow blind, and our ears to grow deaf. Where we spend eternity is solely up to what we do on this earth. If we deny Jesus with our words or actions, then He will deny us. We can’t afford to waste a single moment loving the darkness instead of loving the light.

Dear LORD, help me to not grow cold. Give me ears to hear, eyes to see, a mind to understand, and a heart willing to follow You regardless of how much it costs. Teach me to love You. Strengthen me so that I might not grow weary of doing good. That I might not lose hope. That I might not lose faith. That I might dwell in Your loving presence forever. Give me a spirit of discernment that I might know the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, light and darkness, no matter what those around me say. Teach me to follow Your voice and Your voice alone. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Knowing Which Battle

6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. ~ Romans 8:6-8

The flesh is a rough enemy to fight because your flesh is a part of you. You can’t get rid of it. It’ll always be there nagging at you, trying to pull you down. Oftentimes, we confuse the flesh with spiritual oppression. We blame the Devil for everything, even when it’s not him but ourselves.

Derek Prince once said:

You can’t crucify a spirit, and you can’t cast out the flesh.

That means that there’s a difference between the flesh and spiritual oppression. And as Christians, we have to know the differences in order to overcome. Otherwise, we’re just blindly fighting a losing battle. We have to have discernment to know the difference between our own flesh and spiritual oppression so that we might be able to know how to fight our enemy because not all enemies fall the same way.

Dear LORD, please help me to be aware of the difference between my flesh and spiritual oppression. Teach me when to crucify and teach me when to cast out. Please give me a spirit of discernment so that I might be better equipped to serve you. Help me to focus on the matters of the Spirit and not on matters of the flesh. Teach me to love Your Word and Your Law so that I might not sin against You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Prepare For The Test

30 It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Gihon spring and channeled the water down to the west side of the City of David. He succeeded in everything he undertook. 31 But when envoys were sent by the rulers of Babylon to ask him about the miraculous sign that had occurred in the land, God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart. ~ 2 Chronicles 32:30-31

God may not tempt us, but he will put us to the test. Oftentimes, the test is right before a turning point in our lives. Why? God will leave us for a short time to see if our heart is for Him or if we’re distracted. It’s to see if we’re ready for the next step. The next venture in this journey that He has for us. The thing is, God doesn’t give us a big warning before we have our big test. In fact, oftentimes, we don’t even know that we’re in a test until after we’ve finished the test.

This is the necessity of quiet time with God. We have to remain in Him in the easy times so that in the time of testing, we will remain in Him as well. We have to strengthen our spirit man now, while there is time so that when the test begins, your spirit man can stand. You have to meditate on the Word of God and memorize it so that you might use it as your defense during your test. What you do today will directly affect your test tomorrow. It will either prepare you for success, or it will prepare you for defeat.

Dear LORD, please forgive me for all the time I have wasted and not used to prepare for the tests before me. Please help me not to waste any more time. Rekindle the flame within me. Tear down the strongholds that keep me from seeking You with all that is within me. Let my mind be able to concentrate, and my heart be willing to not only read Your Word but memorize it. Renew a right spirit in me and give me a new heart. Please use me and mold me so that no matter what comes my way, I might stand.

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Peace Peace

11 They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace. ~ Jeremiah 8:11NIV

The understanding of prophecies that have been locked up for 1000s of years is now being released in our generation. Prophecies are being fulfilled, and the stage for the end is being set right before our eyes, yet many will still say there is peace. Why? Because things have been bad before. Each generation has thought they were the last. And if it is the end, we’ll meet Christ before things get bad anyway.

These are the people who are usually in places of authority, from pastors of large churches to family patriarchs and matriarchs. People we’re supposed to trust without hesitation or reserve are the same ones steering us in the wrong direction because of Church Tradition and self-denial. Israel had the same problem. Their leaders and men of authority were preaching peace when destruction was banging at the door. They were preaching all will be well, when death was unlocking the lock.

Too often, we don’t get the preparation needed in order to withstand the coming trial and tribulation because we’re too busy not questioning those in authority around us. The greatest apostle who ever lived, Paul, was checked every day by the Bereans to make sure what he was saying was true. This didn’t offend Paul; it impressed him.

This world is coming to an end. The signs are all around us, but in order to see them, you have to read your Bible and seek the Truth of God and not somebody else’s truth. If you seek someone else’s truth or even your own truth, you will miss the Truth of God, and you’ll be swallowed up by the coming destruction that is banging at the door.

Dear LORD, please forgive me for not seeking Your Truth the way I should. Open my eyes that I might see and give me ears that I might hear so that I might not be unaware of the times. Teach me to pray, worship, and study Your Word that I might strengthen my body and prepare for the time of trial coming. Please let me not be caught unprepared and asleep when that day comes. Use me, LORD God. Mold me into whatever vessel will best serve and further Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Never Too Wicked

27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. 28 Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: 29 “Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.” ~ 1 Kings 21:27-29

King Ahab is known for being one of the most wicked kings Israel has ever had. Under him, the prophets of God were murdered, and the prophets of Baal and Asherah were elevated. The land lived in sin, as did he and his whole household. Yet, even when he, a wicked king, humbled himself before God, God heard his cries. See, Elijah had just prophesied destruction on not just Ahab but on his entire family because of his wickedness. When King Ahab heard all that was coming upon him and his household, he tore his clothes and fasted.

Many of us are currently living our lives very wickedly. We say we’re a good people, but we live in sin. We don’t acknowledge God unless we absolutely have to. In fact, we live our everyday lives as if He doesn’t even exist. Even though we do much wicked before the LORD, if we will humble ourselves before Him and seek His face with all that is within us, He will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Our past doesn’t dictate our lives, but our present does. What we do today will dictate our future. Therefore, turn to God. Repent and be saved. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done; if we will humble ourselves before the LORD, He will hear us from Heaven and forgive our sins.

Dear LORD, please forgive me for all the sin that I have committed. Please forgive me for living my life as if You don’t even exist. I humble myself at Your feet and ask You to be the LORD of my life. Thank You for Your grace, love, and mercy that gives me second chance after second chance. Help me to not return to my old self, but help me to remain a new creation in You. Please continue to change me and work on me so that I might be exactly who You want me to be. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Restore All

29 Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 30 He went up to the temple of the Lord with the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and the Levites—all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the Lord. 31 The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep His commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, and to obey the words of the covenant written in this book. 32 Then he had everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin pledge themselves to it; the people of Jerusalem did this in accordance with the covenant of God, the God of their ancestors. 33 Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites, and he had all who were present in Israel serve the Lord their God. As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the Lord, the God of their ancestors. ~ 2 Chronicles 34:29-33

The people of Israel weren’t living according to the Law of the LORD their God. In fact, they had fallen so far away from God that King Josiah had to renew the covenant with the LORD that his fathers had broken. King Josiah didn’t stop there. He didn’t just correct himself. He didn’t cleanse himself. No. King Josiah brought all of his people and had them renew the covenant with the LORD as well.

It wasn’t enough for King Josiah to be following God. It wasn’t enough for even just the Levites and priests to be renewed and restored to the covenant of the LORD. King Josiah understood that all of the land was under him, from the greatest to the least. All the people were under him, and if they were under him, their blood would be required at his hand. So, often, we’re put in a place of leadership that we take for granted. It doesn’t have to be over many people. It doesn’t even have to look like a place of leadership. It simply means that there are people who look to you to guide them in their lives. It could be as large as a body of souls that come to hear you preach and teach every Sunday. And it could be as small as one single soul looking up to you.

Each of us has at least one person looking to us for help, guidance, and advice. What we do to help that one or many will affect our eternity. Just as God warned Ezekiel that remaining silent when he saw someone in sin would place their blood on his head, so is it for us. We each have a purpose—a universal purpose to win souls. That’s not just the preacher’s job; that’s each and every Christian’s job. We’re to spread God’s Word. We’re to be the light in the darkness. Christ is to live through each of us.

Dear LORD, please forgive me for any time that I’ve fallen down on shepherding the people you have given to me. Please help me to stand firmly and confidently as King Josiah did. Help me not to overlook even the smallest influence I might have in someone’s life. Please help me to always be a light pointing others back to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Illness of Asa

12 In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians. 13 Then in the forty-first year of his reign Asa died and rested with his ancestors. ~ 2 Chronicles 16:12-13

Asa was king of Judah for 41 years. In his last three years as king of Judah, he was afflicted with a disease in his feet and never once saw relief or healing. King Asa sought the help of doctors, but never did he seek the LORD for help. Not even once. King Asa was regarded as a good king by the LORD. He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands. He removed the high places and incense altars in every town in Judah, and the kingdom was at peace under him. He built up the fortified cities of Judah since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the Lord gave him rest (2 Chronicles 14:1-6).

King Asa did many good things for the LORD, but when it came to faith for a healing from God, King Asa didn’t even ask. Why? It could be because of a lack of faith; it could be because he didn’t think it should be brought to God. Nevertheless, this is the same with us today. We do many good things for God. We preach and teach the good news. We show people the good things of God. God even blesses an entire group of people for our sake, but when it comes to praying for ourselves and seeking God for healing, we don’t. Many of us are doing many good things but missing out on our healing.

Dear LORD, help me to seek Your help in all things. Help me to never put anyone over You, but to always go to You first. Help me to seek You in all things. Help to never miss out on a healing or blessing simply because I never asked. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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We All Have A Gift

4 I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in Him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:4-7NIV

Today, the Church is quite divided over spiritual matters. One says spiritual gifts were for a time; another says some spiritual gifts were for a time, while another says all spiritual gifts are for all times. Paul encouraged us that we don’t lack any spiritual gift. So, what does that mean? Paul listed multiple spiritual gifts later on in this same letter. That not only suggests but confirms that we aren’t lacking in any spiritual gift as we wait for the return of our LORD, Jesus Christ.

Spiritual gifts aren’t something God gave to us for just a season. It can’t be. Why? Because those gifts were given for the building up, strengthening, and empowering of His Church. If He took those away, we’re saying one of two things: either He weakened the Church, or the Church is perfect and doesn’t need His help in those areas anymore. Neither of these two things is true. The Devil is still on the earth, running free with much power and authority. He’s not a toothless lion; otherwise, he wouldn’t be someone we have to watch out for. That’s why Peter warned us that the Devil, our adversary, is prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

To be on the prowl is to be on the hunt. It’s to seek out prey for food. This isn’t a toothless defeated lion that Peter is warning us of. Therefore, how can we say we no longer have the spiritual gifts that strengthen, build up, and uphold the Church? The very body that he is seeking to destroy. We can’t. That’s a lie from the enemy to weaken his adversary so that he might easier overpower and devour us.

Spiritual gifts, according to Paul and Peter, are given to each person. Paul even tells us to earnestly seek the greater gifts. Why? Because he wants us to be strong and not weak. He wants us to be prepared in every possible way, just as he was so that when we get to the end of our race, we can stand confidently as he did and say,

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

Dear LORD, help me to be like Paul and seek out not only the spiritual gifts you have given me but the greater gifts as well. Help me not to live in fear or doubt that these gifts are for me. Help me to live in the confidence of Your Truth and not the truth of an individual with biases and opinions. I don’t want to follow man, but You and You alone. Show me how to seek out my gifts and the greater gifts. Teach me how to use my gift for the furthering of Your Kingdom. May it be for Your glory and honor and not my own. May it bring You praise and point the world back to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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All Called

14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” ~ Judges 6:14

Gideon was the least of his family, and his family was the weakest in Israel, yet the LORD called him to be a mighty warrior. Today is no different. We’re each called to a very specific purpose, and sometimes we don’t feel ready for it. We don’t feel like we’re enough, but that’s when we have to remember we’re just the vessel God is using. He is the one who is in control.

See, we may be weak, but with God, we’re strong. We may be fearful, but with God, we’re brave and courageous. We may be young and inexperienced, but with God, we’re wise and prepared for whatever He has in store for us. All we have to do is trust in Him. We have to look at ourselves the way that God looks at us.

How do we do that? Through prayer, worship, and fasting. When our focus is on God and the things of God, our outlook on life and ourselves begins to change. Why? Because when we focus on Light, the darkness begins to fade away. Light will always overcome darkness, no matter how things look.

Dear LORD, help me to have faith that You have a call and purpose for my life. Help me to know exactly what that call is. Lead me in the way that I should go so that I might not stray from the plans that You have for my life. I know that You are good and that You are for me and not against me; please help me to also believe it with all that is within me. Teach me to see myself the way that You see me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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The Silenced

4 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5

According to the WHO, around 73 million induced abortions take place worldwide each year. This means 6 out of 10 (60%) of all unintended pregnancies (that’s 3 out of 10 (30%) of all pregnancies) end in induced abortion. The elites scream depopulation, so the innocent are murdered before they even get to take their first breath.

I heard the testimony of a woman who used to work at Planned Parenthood, and she had to quit after witnessing an abortion. She watched in horror as the baby struggled and fought to get away from the suction device used to rip him or her from his or her mother’s womb.

They brainwash our children to believe that these innocent babies are just parasites. They fill them with hatred and apathy from a young age so that when they’re older, they’ll fall in line. What can the Church really do to combat this atrocity? Pray. We have one option as Christians, and that’s to pray for our nation. To pray for our children. To pray for the innocent lives that are being slaughtered at record numbers.

Dear LORD, please forgive me for turning a blind eye to this genocide that is being committed worldwide and masked as health care and a woman’s right to choose. Please open the blind eyes of those who are in support of this evil. Let them see that these unborn babies aren’t just lumps of cells or parasites in their mothers’ wombs but living babies that You formed. That You have given a purpose to. Please open the eyes of men and women around the world so that we might put an end to this genocide. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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